• 128 Democratic members of Congress urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to extend Title X funding for reproductive health clinics facing a shortfall by March 31.
• Grant applications opened late on Friday with a one-week deadline, described as 'laughable' by recipients expecting months-long processes.
• The delay risks clinic closures, cutting access to birth control, STI testing, and treatment for millions.
• Federal grant funding for FQHCs stayed flat from 2019-2023 while health care costs rose over 25%, leading to negative margins of 2.1% by 2024.
• An estimated 11.8 million Americans will lose Medicaid coverage due to $344 billion cuts over the next decade, overwhelming FQHCs with uninsured patients.
• Recent closures include a New Hampshire rural site in 2025 and six South Carolina locations last year due to shortfalls.
Margaret Hodge, who led report into arts funder, tells DCMS committee that grant recipients have lost confidence in the bodyArts Council England (ACE) requires a “radical” overhaul so that it is able to respond to the challenges of the culture sector, according to Margaret Hodge, who said if ACE leaders did not heed her warnings it would be a “disaster”.The Labour peer, who led a wide-ranging and critical report into ACE, made the comments at a Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee, where she reiterated her calls for the organisation to embrace reform. Continue reading...
• Republican candidates are encountering challenges mobilizing voters for the 2026 midterm elections as President Trump continues promoting claims about election integrity and potential fraud, creating messaging conflicts.
• NPR analysis indicates that the more Trump emphasizes election rigging or claims Democrats will win despite Republican efforts, the harder it becomes to energize GOP voters who may grow discouraged or cynical about electoral outcomes.
• Political observers note that voters are already highly polarized, making traditional persuasion efforts difficult, while Republican turnout could suffer if messaging emphasizes electoral vulnerabilities rather than party strength and accomplishments.
• Oracle reported earnings that exceeded expectations, lifting its stock price, while Adobe continues to face investor skepticism over its AI strategy and competitive positioning amid broader tech sector repricing.
• Morningstar downgraded Adobe's economic moat rating alongside Salesforce and ServiceNow, citing concerns that AI disruption could erode traditional software competitive advantages and justify lower valuation multiples.
• The broader earnings season reveals a disconnect between traditional valuation metrics and AI disruption risks, prompting investors to reassess which software companies can sustain pricing power and market share in an AI-transformed landscape.
• Nvidia held its annual GTC technology conference on Monday, March 16, with CEO Jensen Huang delivering the keynote address amid broader market volatility tied to geopolitical tensions and oil price fluctuations.
• The event timing coincides with elevated uncertainty in tech stocks, as investors reassess earnings estimates downward and monitor the impact of elevated oil prices on corporate profitability and consumer spending.
• Tech sector performance remains sensitive to macroeconomic headwinds, including potential inflation from energy costs and Federal Reserve policy decisions expected this week.
Carlson in video claims the CIA is preparing a ‘crime report’ against him and alleges US agencies have read his textsTucker Carlson, the conservative US political commentator, has publicly expressed fear that he may be facing criminal charges for “acting as an agent of a foreign power” by communicating with people in Iran.The former CNN and Fox News host, who has established an alternative media career as online talking head and interviewer, claimed in a video posted on X that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was preparing “a crime report” for the Trump administration’s justice department. Continue reading...
• UConn enters the women's NCAA tournament as an unbeaten No. 1 seed after winning the SEC Tournament title, defeating South Carolina in the championship game.
• UTSA drew the No. 16 seed and faces the undefeated Huskies in a first-round matchup, looking to pull off a historic upset.
• UConn's perfect record and top seeding position them as heavy favorites to compete for the national championship.
• The 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinals continue Monday with Venezuela taking on Italy in Miami, airing at 8 p.m. ET on FS1.
• This marks a significant matchup in the international baseball tournament, with both nations competing for a spot in the championship game.
• The World Baseball Classic represents one of the premier international baseball competitions, attracting top talent from around the globe.
Rain fell between 1 and 2in hourly in Maui, Molokai and the Big Island while tens of thousands are without powerRain continued falling in Hawaii on Sunday where a strong storm brought flash flooding, blizzard conditions and landslides to the islands as residents reported collapsed roads and one home washing away in rising waters.Flash flooding has been a major problem in recent days in places such as Maui, Molokai and the Big Island, where rain had been falling between 1 and 2in (2.5 and 5cm) an hour overnight, according to the Hawaii emergency management agency. Continue reading...
• President Donald Trump is experiencing political fallout two weeks after U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran, with rising U.S. soldier deaths and questions over securing the Strait of Hormuz.
• Trump attended a closed-door fundraiser for his MAGA Inc. super PAC at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday after golfing, amid criticism for lacking long-term planning on the conflict.
• Democrats like Kelly Dietrich of the National Democratic Training Committee predict strong midterm positioning, citing Trump's unfulfilled promises on prices amid rising gasoline costs.
• UPMC, a major Pittsburgh health system, stopped providing gender care services to patients under age 19 approximately nine months ago, leaving local transgender teens struggling to find alternative care options.
• The policy change has forced young patients like Moss Brinzer to scramble for medical services, creating significant gaps in access to gender-affirming healthcare for minors in the region.
• The decision reflects broader tensions in U.S. healthcare around gender medicine for adolescents, with major health systems reassessing their policies amid ongoing national debate.
National Secular Society to launch court action after failure to investigate alleged breaches of academic freedom lawsA university regulator in England has failed to investigate potential breaches of laws protecting academic freedom at a dozen theological colleges and is now facing legal action, the Guardian has learned.The National Secular Society says it is preparing to pursue the Office for Students (OfS) through the courts to act on complaints first made five years ago, arguing that the colleges are ineligible for public funding or government-backed student loans because of their commitment to theological doctrine. Continue reading...
• The U.S. meets the Dominican Republic in the 2026 WBC semifinals on March 15 at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami, after advancing with a 5-3 win over Canada.
• U.S. boasts a red-hot offense with 40 runs in their last 5 games (wins over Canada 5-3, Mexico 5-3, Greece 9-1, Brazil 15-5; loss to Italy 8-6); leaders include Brice Turang (.467 AVG), Aaron Judge (2 HR).
• Dominican Republic counters with strong pitching (3.40 team ERA, .184 opponent AVG); Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads at .500 AVG; U.S. favored at -141 odds, total runs over/under 8.5.
SNP leader hails prospect of success for parties in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that want to break up unionThe UK is facing an “absolutely seismic moment”, John Swinney has said, with the prospect of the election of first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in May who are all committed to the break-up of the union.Speaking at the Scottish National party’s campaign conference ahead of the Scottish parliament elections, the first minister told delegates: “For people watching around the world, there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is up.” Continue reading...
The U.S. women's national basketball team plays Italy in FIBA World Cup Qualifying at 4:45 p.m. ET from San Juan, Puerto Rico, broadcast on TRUTV. This international matchup tests USA Basketball's depth ahead of future global competitions. It adds to Saturday's diverse sports slate including NWSL and NBA games. Qualifying success bolsters U.S. preparations for upcoming tournaments.
Nvidia shares retreated to around $88 on March 13, 2026, from peaks near $97, even as the company showcased strong quarterly growth potential. Traders noted hits to high-growth names amid broader S&P 500 and Nasdaq declines of 0.5-0.67%. The pullback reflects risk-off sentiment from oil surges rather than company-specific issues. Investors eye upcoming catalysts like AI chip demand for rebound potential.
The Washington Wizards take on the Boston Celtics at 6 p.m. ET on NBATV, with Boston aiming to extend their 10-game win streak amid Eastern Conference race. Jayson Tatum averages 29.2 points per game, facing a Wizards team desperate for a spark post-trade deadline. This matchup tests Washington's rebuilt roster including new addition Kyle Kuzma. A Celtics win would solidify their top seed positioning with playoffs nearing.
Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in five states are challenging bans that restrict purchases of sugary foods as part of state-level public health initiatives. The restrictions, implemented to address obesity and diet-related diseases, have sparked legal disputes from program participants who argue the limitations infringe on food choice and dignity. Public health officials supporting the bans contend that limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods reduces healthcare costs and improves nutrition outcomes. The cases highlight ongoing tensions between state efforts to promote healthy eating behaviors and individual rights to food selection within federal assistance programs.
Hollywood is grappling with a severe production slump, mass layoffs, and growing anxiety over AI's role in filmmaking as the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. Industry insiders describe a febrile atmosphere exacerbated by corporate mergers like the potential Warner Bros. takeover by Paramount and Skydance, with Warner Bros. films 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' tipped as frontrunners. The Oscars, while honoring artistic excellence, underscore deeper infrastructural issues amid political tensions including Trump's impact on the industry. Experts predict heightened uncertainty for post-ceremony production pipelines.
Three ideologically inspired attacks occurred in the past week: ISIS-inspired bombings at a New York City protest, a vehicle ramming at a Michigan synagogue by a Lebanese citizen, and a shooting at a Virginia university by a prior terrorism convict yelling 'Allahu akbar.' These incidents coincide with the US war against Iran, following strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and FBI Director Kash Patel's firings of dozens of agents, including those on Iran and Trump document cases, straining counterterrorism resources. A Pakistani was convicted last week for 2024 assassination plots against Trump under Iranian Revolutionary Guard orders, while Justice Department seized domains used by Iran for dissident killings. The threats elevate national security risks as midterm elections approach, with cyber attacks like the one on Stryker adding to concerns.
The Florida Gators take on Vanderbilt Commodores in the SEC Tournament semifinals on March 14, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, with Florida favored by 6.5 points and a total set at 160.5. Florida enters hot, winning four straight including 71-63 over Kentucky, led by Tyler Tanner's 19.2 PPG average. Vanderbilt seeks an upset after beating Tennessee 75-68, with odds at +258. A Gators win advances them toward the title game against Auburn or Alabama, impacting NCAA Tournament seeding.
Canada's employment situation deteriorated significantly in February, with the national unemployment rate rising to 6.7 percent—a 0.2 percent increase from January and the worst monthly job performance in four years. Economic analysts attribute the decline partly to growing global volatility stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict and international tensions. The labor market weakness raises concerns that persistent inflation could worsen as geopolitical instability disrupts supply chains and energy markets. Canadian policymakers face mounting pressure to address employment challenges while managing inflationary pressures linked to rising oil prices and defense spending.